UK-based Internet of Things (IoT) firm Sky and Space Global has begun the integration phase of its ‘Pearls’ nanosatellites, having completed their critical design review.

Sky and Space Global (SAS) maintains that they are on track for a first launch of ‘Pearls’ in 2019, following a presentation of key hardware and software requirements for the satellites by their aerospace partner GomSpace, enabling them to immediately begin their construction and integration phase.

SAS’ constellation will launch into equatorial orbit, the firm’s vision to cover provide communications coverage to a relatively unserviced segment of the world’s population along the equatorial band, which it says will provide ‘around the clock affordable voice, data, instant messaging, M2M and IoT communications’.

The Critical Design Review (CDR) process assessed all technical components for the Pearls project, including schedule, overall design, altitude control performance and system budgets (mass, power and link).

“We have successfully completed the CDR with GomSpace, reaching another milestone and remaining on track for next year’s planned launch,” says Meir Moalem, Co-founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at SAS. He added that the positive results from the CDR validate the company’s technology, supports its strategy aimed at achieving the goal of providing connectivity to remote geographical locations.

SAS aims to have its full constellation of 200 Pearls in orbit during 2020, and completed its first launch of its previous generation ‘3 Diamonds’ nanosatellites in 2017.